Chicago State trustees ponder free iPads for freshmen

July 28, 2010

Chicago State University is the latest local school to jump on the iPad bandwagon.

The South Side university next week will decide whether to provide all full-time freshmen, and the faculty who teach them, with free Apple iPads this fall. It is expected to cost about $335,300 for 700 of the devices.

Chicago State is expecting about 500 freshmen this fall. University President Wayne Watson said he also is considering giving the popular iPads to the school's 70 honors students.

"Our bottom line goal is to help our students perform," Watson said. "Our goal is to take a cohort of students and immerse them in this new world order of information."

Chicago State, which has had enrollment declines in recent years, also recognizes that the popular devices could help attract more students. The light, portable iPad could help "improve the university's ability to recruit, retain students and graduate students faster," according to a resolution to be considered by the university's trustees next week.

Students would own the iPads after finishing their junior year. If they left the school before then, they would have to return them or pay a prorated amount based on how long they've had it. The university is still negotiating a price with Apple, officials said.

Students may use the devices to take notes, read books, check e-mail and surf the Internet. Faculty can build applications specific to their courses.

Earlier this year, the Illinois Institute of Technology and several other colleges across the country announced they would give all freshmen iPads.